If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely need to try this Beef and Barley Stew Recipe. Packed with tender cubes of beef, nutty pearl barley, and colorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth infused with fragrant herbs, it’s a classic dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something nourishing and satisfying, this stew will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you — these ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays an essential role in making the stew so deeply flavorful and hearty. From the meaty richness of beef to the earthy chew of barley, and the freshness of herbs and veggies, every element comes together beautifully.
- Beef stew meat: The star of the dish, providing rich, tender chunks full of meaty goodness when slow-cooked.
- Olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity base note.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavorful foundation in the pot.
- Garlic: A little punch of aroma and warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory flavors.
- Celery: Offers subtle bitterness and a pleasant crunch to the stew’s texture.
- Pearl barley: Adds a wholesome, chewy texture while thickening the broth nicely.
- Beef broth: The rich liquid base that infuses the stew with deep savoriness.
- Diced tomatoes: Introduce a touch of acidity and a hint of brightness to the luscious stew.
- Dried thyme: Brings fragrant, earthy herbal notes that complement beef perfectly.
- Dried rosemary: Adds piney, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Bay leaves: A subtle background aroma that rounds out the stew’s bouquet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh pop of color and flavor, used as a bright garnish.
How to Make Beef and Barley Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your beef cubes and give them some love by browning on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the meat’s juices and builds a deep, rich base flavor for the stew. Once nicely seared, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Using the same pot, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and their natural sweetness begins to bloom. This simple step adds layers of flavor that make the stew so satisfying.
Step 3: Add garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant—you’ll feel the aroma fill the kitchen, promising something delicious is on the way.
Step 4: Combine all ingredients and simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the rinsed pearl barley, hearty beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a rolling boil, which wakes up the flavors and starts melding them together beautifully.
Step 5: Slow cook for tender perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. The slow cooking is where magic happens: beef becomes tender, barley softens perfectly, and all ingredients marry into a richly flavored, thick stew.
Step 6: Season and finalize
After cooking, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaves—they’ve done their job in infusing subtle aroma but aren’t meant to be eaten.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Serve your beautiful Beef and Barley Stew Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bright contrast that makes every spoonful inviting and fresh.
How to Serve Beef and Barley Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, adding a burst of green color and fresh flavor. You can also toss in a few cracked black peppercorns or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving for an extra touch of richness.
Side Dishes
This stew shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread is a game changer—perfect for mopping up every last drop. A simple green salad can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the stew’s richness as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the stew in deep bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. Hosting guests? Present it in mini cast iron pots or ramekins for an elegant touch that makes everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy reheat and eat meal later in the week.
Freezing
This Beef and Barley Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for tenderness and cooking time, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes for even more flavor and texture.
Is pearl barley essential, or can I substitute it?
Pearl barley gives the stew its signature chewy texture and helps thicken the broth. If unavailable, farro or hulled barley can work, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef and barley are tender.
How do I know when the barley is fully cooked?
Barley should be tender but still slightly chewy. If it’s too firm, continue simmering the stew a bit longer, checking every 10 minutes until perfect.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want a deeper flavor, a splash of red wine during the simmer or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky layer to this already hearty stew.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of stew that nourishes both body and soul, and this Beef and Barley Stew Recipe delivers that in every satisfying bite. With simple ingredients transformed into a rich, comforting meal, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough. Gather your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a timeless classic that feels like home in a bowl.
Print
Beef and Barley Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef and Barley Stew is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender beef cubes simmered with pearl barley, vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a rich beef broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its fragrance.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Bring to Boil: Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the rinsed barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Season and Finish: Remove the bay leaves and season the stew with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a warming meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the pearl barley before adding it helps remove excess starch and prevents the stew from becoming too thick.
- You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Simmering times can vary depending on the size of your beef cubes; check tenderness and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
